Classic French Crepe Batter
Classic French Crepe Batter is a easy French recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Philippe Etchebest on YouTube.
Prep: 48 min | Cook: 16 min | Total: 1 hr 14 min
Cost: $1.81 total, $0.45 per serving
Ingredients
- 250 g All‑purpose flour (type 55) (Sifted)
- 2 pcs Large eggs (Room temperature)
- 500 ml Whole milk (Cold)
- 30 g Unsalted butter (Melted, low heat)
- 2 tbsp Granulated sugar (Optional, for a slightly sweet batter)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 15 ml Rum or other clear spirit (optional) (Adds character; can be omitted)
Instructions
Melt butter
Place the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until fully melted; do not let it brown.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low
Combine dry ingredients and eggs
In the mixing bowl, add the sifted flour, then crack the two eggs onto the flour. Add the sugar and a pinch of salt.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate milk and melted butter
Slowly pour the cold milk into the bowl while continuously whisking. When the batter thickens, drizzle in the melted butter and keep whisking until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Eliminate any lumps (optional)
If small lumps remain, blend the batter with an immersion blender for about a minute, or pass it through a fine mesh sieve.
Time: PT1M
Add optional alcohol
Stir in the rum (or vanilla extract) for extra flavor. This step is optional.
Time: PT30S
Rest the batter
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest at room temperature for 30–45 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and yields fluffier crepes.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: room temperature
Heat the pan
Place the non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat. Lightly brush with a few drops of melted butter or oil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Cook the crepes
Pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the hot pan, swirl to spread thinly, and cook for about 1 minute until the edges lift. Flip and cook the other side for another 30‑45 seconds. Transfer to a plate and repeat until batter is used.
Time: PT16M
Temperature: medium
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, low-carb, low-calorie, very-low-calorie, low-fat
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Gluten, Butter
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All‑purpose flour (type 55): Whole‑wheat flour, Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Large eggs: Egg substitute (e.g., flax egg) for vegans
- Instead of Whole milk: Almond milk, Oat milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Unsalted butter: Vegetable oil, Margarine
- Instead of Granulated sugar: Honey, Maple syrup
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Rum or other clear spirit (optional): Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl (cul de poule)
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Ladle or measuring cup
- Non‑stick skillet or crepe pan
- Spatula
- Immersion blender (optional) (optional)
- Fine mesh sieve (chinois) (optional) (optional)
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt butter without browning
- Whisk flour and eggs from the center to avoid lumps
- Rest the batter for at least 30 minutes
- Cook on medium heat to prevent burning
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra‑fluffy crepes, replace 1 tbsp of flour with cornstarch.
- A pinch of vanilla extract can replace the rum for a non‑alcoholic version.
Troubleshooting
Lumpy batter
Use an immersion blender or pass the batter through a fine mesh sieve.
Crepes stick to the pan
Ensure the pan is well‑heated and lightly greased before each crepe.
Crepes are too thick
Add a little more milk to thin the batter; it should flow easily.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover batter in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Freezer: Batter can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before use.
Room temperature: Do not store batter at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Batter improves after resting; you can make it the night before and keep it refrigerated.
Last updated: August 21, 2026






